Archbishop to hold Johnston vigil

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Dr John Sentamu said the vigil was an appeal to Johnston's kidnappers to set him free, and a prayer "for those who think violence is the answer to the problems of the Middle East".

A series of vigils were held on Monday amid unconfirmed claims he had been killed.

A previously unknown Palestinian group, The Brigades of Tawheed and Jihad, sent a statement to news organisations claiming it had killed the Scot, who is the BBC's Gaza correspondent.

His parents, politicians and colleagues called for the release of "our boy", who was abducted by masked gunmen as he returned to his apartment in Gaza City on March 12. Hundreds of the 44-year-old's fellow BBC workers gathered outside the corporation's offices across the UK to show their continued support.

Announcing Tuesday's vigil the Archbishop said: "The purpose of this vigil is twofold. First it is an appeal to those who have kidnapped Alan to let him free.

"As someone who has lived amongst the Palestinian people and given them a much-needed voice, he has now come to represent all those who put their lives at risk in an attempt to inform the wider world of the daily dangers faced by those in places such as Palestine.

"In addition to praying for Alan's safe release, my prayer will also be for those who think violence is the answer to the problems of the Middle East. Violence, kidnapping and fanaticism will lead to retribution, not to peace. Peace will only flower where love and justice pervade the environment."

Dr Sentamu, who also used his Easter Sermon to call for Johnston's release, said the vigil will take place at 3pm at his official residence in Bishopthorpe Palace, York.

Johnston, who has been in Gaza for three years with the BBC, disappeared on his way home from work. Before Sunday's statement was issued by the Brigades group, nobody had claimed responsibility for the kidnap. The group said it killed Johnston to support demands for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.